Camping Navigation Compass
November 20th, 2010 | 
Author: Camping Navigation Compass
Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the intellect and the body. The aim is to navigate through a series of control points marked on a unique orienteering map and signing the register as you reach each control point, simultaneously, choosing the best route to complete the course. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are. You can run, pace or jog the course and proceed at your own pace. Orienteering can take place anywhere from isolated forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It is a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to develop their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outside.
Orienteering is the adventure sport for all.
The first thing one must learn is how to step off a consistent pace for distance. Orienteering is a sport of navigation cross-country with an especially made detailed map. First, quality orienteering is truly reliant on plush natural environments. Anyone occupied in orienteering will realize it is very time consuming.
There are programs on the web developed to facilitate quick and easy ways for setting up an orienteering course that teaches map and compass skills. These programs can be used in the gym, classroom, commons areas, lunch rooms or outdoors. Students using these programs ascertain many exciting education possibilities.
A popular piece of equipment in use is a modern orienteering compass that has a protractor and compass built into the instrument. Good orienteering compasses can be found in catalogs which sell outdoor sports supplies. Search the internet on Line for orienteering equipment and supplies. A prerequisite in learning orienteering requires the experience in the use of maps, protractors and compasses.
Historically, the development of highly accurate, detailed topographic maps has largely been driven by military requirements. Army map reading training has developed to a high degree of proficiency for obvious reasons. Some websites refer to actual U.S. Army map reading training manuals, applicable to such civilian uses as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, hill walking or any other use where precise, accurate land navigation is desired or needed. A unique characteristic that distinguishes topographical maps from other kinds of maps is the fact that they show the topography. Because topographical maps show the shape of the land, they are the most suitable type of map for most outdoor activities that take place in areas that are not heavily populated.
Global Positioning System, or GPS, devices are popular and can locate your position within a few feet; however they should not be relied upon until you have prepared yourself with the basic skills using the elementary materials. Find your way with simple tools like a map and compass. Before setting out into unfamiliar territory, know and practice the basics. For example and illustration, create a course on a map and place a person at the starting point and direction and all in between points and bearings. Instruct the person to find the target (The person must be familiar with map reading and the use of a protractor and compass.) To increase the challenge, the course can be drawn on types of different terrain that makes shooting the bearings and pacing off the distance more difficult. On orienteering courses there can be as many points as necessary from the beginning or start to the final destination. Contest can be based like in speed racing. The person who reaches the final destination in the shortest period of time wins.
Practice maps and other training kits can be purchased from suppliers catalogs etc. from which you can create a challenge courses (using scaled down distances and actual bearings) from real maps where space is limited or the area the map represents is far away and/or too large to be practical. On the ground or indoors place a start point, intermediate target points and bearings between final destination. Test the accuracy of your home made course and use it as practice course. Small indoor courses can be set up using a practice map for a layout. This can be a great rainy day activity in a gym or activity room for training purposes.
After land has been located that is suitable for orienteering two important land-related tasks remain: (1) obtaining permission to use the land, and (2) taking care of the land. Quality orienteering is vitally dependent on a rich natural environment.
I believe most people were probably drawn to the sport (partly because of a love of nature) are thus motivated to protect nature regardless of their involvement in orienteering. It may be helpful for you to include in your research the reading of past formal studies that have been conducted on the environmental impact of orienteering. Search "USOF (US Orienteering Federation) Land Use Policy" at the library or on the web. Also, there is a free on line book on how to read topographic maps and Use a Compass.
Find out more information on Orienteering in your city; contact the United States Orienteering Federation. Have fun.
Please leave your comments.
Roger Hardieway is a retired Engineer and Amateur Radio Operator
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